Chasing the Midnight Sun along Norway’s Arctic Coastline

As I drifted silently into Norway’s majestic Trollfjord, flanked by towering mountains, their peaks bathed in golden sunlight, I couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking scenery. It was almost midnight, yet it felt like the middle of the day. The midnight sun, a truly remarkable phenomenon, stretches one day into another, making it easy to lose track of time.

I had the privilege of experiencing the ‘polar day’ as I journeyed along Norway’s stunning coastline aboard one of Hurtigruten’s ships, MS Nordlys. The ship called at 19 ports in just four days, offering a plethora of opportunities to explore and take in the breathtaking views. The only challenge was finding time to sleep, as the night never came!

What is the Midnight Sun?

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt causes one hemisphere to be angled towards the sun, resulting in 24 hours of daylight. This occurs during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, when the North Pole tilts towards the sun. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere experiences 24 hours of darkness, known as the polar night.

Exploring Norway’s Coastline

I began my journey in the beautiful coastal town of Bodø, the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle. I wish I had more time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, as the town basks in the glow of the midnight sun from June to July. Though I had a long day of traveling, I made sure to stay up and watch the sun dip below a distant mountain at midnight, only to reappear a minute later, casting a golden glow on the surrounding mountains and waters.

The next day, I boarded the MS Nordlys ship and eagerly awaited my trip north. The first port of call was Svolvær, an iconic destination for experiencing the midnight sun during the summer months and the northern lights during the winter. Though the sun remained hidden behind clouds, I was thrilled to welcome in the summer solstice at midnight, under the midnight sun.

The Chase for the Midnight Sun

Throughout the trip, I felt like I was playing an elaborate game of cat and mouse with the midnight sun. It would make occasional appearances, bathing the landscape in a glorious light, before dipping back behind clouds. This kept me entertained and made me feel like I was on a thrilling adventure.

Life Onboard

The MS Nordlys, with a capacity of 590 people and 471 beds, offered a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed sitting in the panoramic lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing me to take in the stunning views. The ship’s smaller size enabled us to access remote areas and travel through smaller fjords, providing a unique experience.

Coastal Expedition Team

Each day, the Coastal Expedition team ran hour-long seminars, combining talks on local history and culture with music and a brief Norwegian language lesson. These seminars were a great way to introduce us to the different regions we would visit during the voyage.

Packing for the Trip

As the Norwegians say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Preparation is key! I found packing for my summer adventure easier than my winter trip, as I needed to prepare for varying weather conditions. A light hat, gloves, and bathing suit were essential items to bring along.

Food Onboard

The food onboard Hurtigruten was exceptional, with a focus on Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, which collaborates with local farms, bakeries, and producers. Guests enjoyed three daily meals, including buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, and three-course dinners. Dietary requirements were well accommodated, ensuring everyone could experience authentic local cuisine.

Conclusion

For anyone wishing to experience the weirdness of the midnight sun or the unbelievable beauty of the northern lights, look no further than a voyage with Hurtigruten. The mighty ships are an iconic feature of the Norwegian coastline, bringing you closer to the unique beauty and culture of Norway’s coast than anyone else.

Historical Context:

• The concept of the midnight sun has been observed and recorded by ancient cultures, including the Vikings, who believed that the sun’s prolonged presence during the summer solstice was a sign of good luck and prosperity.
• The midnight sun has been a significant part of Norwegian culture and folklore, with many stories and legends surrounding its appearance.
• The Hurtigruten shipping company has been operating along Norway’s coastline since 1893, providing a unique and iconic way to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The article describes a journey along Norway’s Arctic coastline aboard the MS Nordlys ship, exploring 19 ports in four days and experiencing the midnight sun phenomenon. • The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt causes one hemisphere to be angled towards the sun, resulting in 24 hours of daylight. • The author begins their journey in Bodø, the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle, and watches the sun dip below a mountain at midnight, only to reappear a minute later. • The ship travels to Svolvær, an iconic destination for experiencing the midnight sun and northern lights, and the author feels like they’re playing a game of cat and mouse with the sun as it appears and disappears behind clouds. • The MS Nordlys ship offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with a panoramic lounge and smaller size allowing access to remote areas and fjords. • The Coastal Expedition team provides seminars on local history, culture, and language, introducing guests to the different regions visited during the voyage. • Packing for the trip requires preparation for varying weather conditions, with essential items including a light hat, gloves, and bathing suit. • The food onboard Hurtigruten is exceptional, with a focus on Norway’s Coastal Kitchen and local cuisine, and dietary requirements are well accommodated. • The article concludes that a voyage with Hurtigruten is the perfect way to experience the midnight sun and northern lights, bringing guests closer to Norway’s unique beauty and culture.